Apostolic Mission (Page 2)
How about the Apostolic vision? It is also given by God to them, Philippians 2:13,
“For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.”
The desires of God’s people were embedded by God to them. The desire to work, like Paul, as stated in 2 Corinthians 10:16,
“To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man’s line of things made ready to our hand.”
This verse was written by Apostle Paul to the Corinthians, a desire not yet done. But this verse is a plain vision. It was God who put this vision to Apostle Paul’s heart. So it is also God who will do it. Visions might tarry but, it will come to pass because God had made the divine plan. He will do it. To whom? As He promised in Habakkuk 2:3,
“For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.” Why is it then that the Apostolic vision be done by the Apostles? Because it is their vision. It is God who had put it in their hearts. They have seen it through their faith. And thus, God will do it for them.
Who else can do it? Their students, who are their disciplined followers, like Timothy. In 2 Timothy 3:10, states:
“But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience.”
The church and the apostles are God’s instruments to gather the people of God also called as sheep. Example of the many churches during the time of the early Apostles was the church in Ephesus, Acts 20:17-28 narrate,
“And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.
And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons.
Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews.
And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house,
Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there:
Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.
But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.
Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.